The severity of malnutrition in the Melghat region has received much media focus. The infant and child mortality rates in this area are abnormally high, even when compared to the average of Amaravti District in Maharashtra, of which Melghat is a part.

The FRCH, in partnership with the ICICI Centre for Child Health & Nutrition and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Maharashtra, has been working in the area since 2009 to bring about convergence of ICDS, NRHM and community processes to reduce malnutrition.

The project covers Dharni and Chikhaldara blocks of Amaravti district.
The first activity undertaken was mapping of the area to assess the number of existing facilities such as primary health centres and anganwadis. Training needs assessment was carried out, covering 20 villages. In-depth interviews with service providers were conducted in order to gauge existing skills and knowledge.

Probing questions were asked in the study area to understand the causes of infant and child deaths. This data would be used while training the service providers. It would also prove crucial for policy decisions.
At present, a baseline study is being carried out in 40 villages of Dharni block. The study involves collecting data on village profile, anganwadi profile, pregnant women, nursing mothers, mothers of children aged 0-3 and 3-6. In-depth interviews of household heads along with women are being conducted.

Themes that emerged out of the needs assessment survey are child rearing practices, child and maternal malnutrition, soft skills useful for communication and dialogue with the community. Training modules are being prepared on these themes. Training will be conducted by the Master Trainers of Parinche Resource and Training Centre.